Helpful Insurance Tips

Practical tips to help you prevent losses, stay safe, and understand what to do if something happens. For coverage questions or claims, our team is one call away.

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Auto Insurance Tips

Business Insurance Tips

Home Insurance Tips

Auto Insurance Tips

How to Prevent Vehicle Theft

  • Always lock your vehicle and take the keys-even for quick stops.
  • Do not leave the vehicle idling unattended; use remote start if needed.
  • Conceal valuables (bags, electronics); keep the cabin clear and tidy.
  • Park in well-lit, visible areas or enclosed garages where possible.
  • Add deterrents: steering-wheel lock, immobilizer, alarm, tracking tag.
  • Consider a Faraday pouch for key fobs (thwarts relay theft).

Vehicle Safety & Maintenance

  • Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
  • Address changes in braking, handling, steering, or warning lights promptly.
  • Tyres: check tread depth and pressures monthly (incl. spare).
  • Keep an emergency kit: booster cables, triangle/flares, first aid, blanket.

Brake warning signs

  • Squeal/grind/bang when braking
  • Pulling to one side under braking
  • "Grabby" brakes, vibration in pedal/steering
  • Pedal near floor or requires excessive force

Child Restraint Safety

  • Use a seat that matches the child's age/height/weight and meets Canadian standards.
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle manual.
  • Have the install checked by a qualified technician if available.

Road Safety & Distractions

  • Never use a handheld device while driving; set navigation and music before you move.
  • Drive to conditions: slow for rain/snow/ice; increase following distance.
  • Never drive impaired (alcohol, drugs, fatigue).

Preparing for Winter Driving

  • Install four matching winter tyres; check pressures as temperatures drop.
  • Top up winter washer fluid; keep a snow brush/ice scraper in the car.
  • Carry a cold-weather kit: blanket, gloves, hat, shovel, traction aids, flashlight.

What to Do if You're Involved in an Accident

  1. Safety first: move to a safe spot; call 911 if needed.
  2. Document: exchange info, take photos/video, gather witnesses.
  3. Report: many Ontario municipalities direct you to a Collision Reporting Centre.
  4. Call us or your insurer's 24/7 line to open a claim.

See also: Automobile Claims. 

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Business Insurance Tips

General Commercial Crime Prevention

  • Deadbolt exterior doors; secure hinge pins; upgrade strike plates.
  • Protect ground-level glass (bars, screens, laminated/tempered glazing).
  • Monitored alarm (ULC-certified) and interior/exterior lighting.
  • Fire extinguishers: multi-purpose units; train staff and service regularly.
  • Housekeeping: clear sightlines to tills; keep cash low; vary bank runs.

Protecting Computer Equipment

  • Secure devices (locks/cable kits); don't leave laptops unattended.
  • Back up data regularly and store a copy offsite/secure cloud.
  • Maintain serial-number inventory; enable device tracking/remote wipe.

Business Interruption Preparedness

  • Maintain financials, payroll, and key contracts; keep copies offsite.
  • Create a continuity plan: alternate suppliers, temporary premises, rentals.
  • Track extra expenses that reduce downtime (overtime, expedited shipping).
  • Know your waiting period/time deductible and coverage limits.

Contractors' Loss Prevention Tips

  • Pre-job/task planning; hot-work permits and 30-minute fire watch.
  • Secure tools (marked/painted), materials, and site access; post signage.
  • Control cords and debris; manage mud/water on public ways.
  • Locate buried services before digging; store flammables in approved cans.
  • Collect COIs from subs; test/inspect new equipment; keep job records.

Office Loss Prevention Tips

  • Don't overload circuits; use licensed electricians for upgrades.
  • Test life-safety systems (alarms, exits, emergency lighting) as required.
  • Clean spills immediately; use mats in wet seasons; inspect floors routinely.

Commercial Vehicles - Driver & Fleet Safety

  • Hire carefully; run abstracts; train for the vehicle and cargo type.
  • Daily inspections; maintenance records; emergency kit on every unit.
  • Secure loads; avoid excess speed; use vehicles only as intended.
  • Key control: never leave running/unattended; keep keys separate/unlabeled.
  • Protect trip info; don't disclose cargo or routes publicly.

Repair Garage Loss Prevention Tips

  • Keep customers out of bays; provide a safe waiting area.
  • Use signed work orders incl. declined work; verify road-test rules.
  • Light premises; secure overnight vehicles; fence/padlock outside storage.
  • Key control: locked cabinets, limited access, logged sign-out.
  • Limit cash on site; accurate stock inventory; CCTV as appropriate.

Retail Loss Prevention Tips

  • Keep combustibles away from heat/electrical; remove waste frequently.
  • Maintain 18" clearance below sprinklers; don't block exits.
  • Elevate stock off floors; good exterior/interior lighting; sightlines to tills.
  • Limit cash; vary deposit routes/times; lock high-value goods.
  • Consider EAS tags/CCTV; service life-safety systems per code.

Slip & Fall Loss Prevention

  • Document daily inspections and corrective actions (keep a log).
  • Keep aisles clear; mop spills immediately; "Wet Floor" signage.
  • Use non-slip finishes where needed; maintain mats; manage winter entryways.
  • Repair exterior hazards; manage snow/ice with contractors and logs.
  • Ensure lighting works; direct downspouts away from walkways.



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Home Insurance Tips

Crime Prevention - At a Glance

  • Daytime is common for break-ins; burglars look for easy, hidden access.
  • Harden entry points: doors, windows, basements, sliding doors.
  • Keep the home looking occupied with lights/timers and visible activity.

Tips for Inside Your Home

  • Lock all doors/windows; pin sliders and easily-lifted window sashes.
  • Close blinds at night; don't showcase valuables.
  • Use a monitored alarm as a layer-not a substitute for good habits.
  • Mark/record valuables (photos, serial numbers); consider a safe deposit box.

Tips for Outside Your Home

  • Trim shrubs near entries; improve lighting and sightlines.
  • Solid exterior doors with quality deadbolts; secure hinge pins.
  • Harden glass near locks (laminated/tempered film) and basement windows (bars with emergency release).
  • Prevent slider lift-out (track pins/screws).
  • Store ladders; don't allow roof access from trees.

What NOT to Do

  • Don't advertise absences (notes on doors, public posts).
  • Don't hide keys in obvious spots; keep spare keys offsite with someone trusted.
  • Don't leave handbags/cash in view; lock doors even when you're home but in another area.

Going on Vacation

  • Pause mail/flyers; arrange lawn/snow care; use timers for lights and radios.
  • Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway and move bins on collection day.
  • Leave contact info with someone you trust; avoid sharing travel plans publicly.
  • Secure garage; consider storing small valuables offsite.

If Your House Is Broken Into

  • Don't enter if you suspect someone's inside-go to a safe place and call police.
  • Don't disturb the scene; wait for instructions from police.
  • List missing/damaged items (photos/serials) and contact us/your insurer.

Need guidance?

Talk to our team about coverage specifics, deductibles, and the most cost-effective next steps if you have a loss.

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These tips are general guidance. Your policy wording and local laws govern in every case.

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